TACLOBAN
CITY, Nov. 8 (PNA) -- The United States government has joined the country in
honoring those who perished when super typhoon Yolanda unleashed its wrath in
central Philippines three years ago.
US Embassy
Manila Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael S. Klecheski said that it is a
privilege of the US government to “express solidarity and partnership” with
survivors of the country’s strongest typhoon.
“I speak for
all Americans, to say that we are here with you and that everyone knew what
happened and we have been trying to be supportive as much as we can. We are
great partners and we are going to continue that,” Klecheski said.
The US
embassy official graced the wreath laying ceremony and mass late Monday
afternoon to remember more than 2,000 typhoon victims buried in a common grave
at the Holy Cross cemetery, Basper village, this city.
The mass is
the final resting place of the 2,273 casualties of the monster typhoon.
Mayor
Cristina Romualdez said that the people of Tacloban are very honored for the
presence of a US envoy, who paid respects to the Yolanda victims.
“Just keep
holding on, keep your hope in the Lord, just keep moving forward and pray for a
brighter future for all of us,” Romualdez said.
Hundreds of
survivors flocked to the burial place to pull out weeds, put tombstones, and
offered flowers to their departed loved ones.
Crisanta
Napoles, 61, was one of the many who brought flowers and candles to the mass
grave site for her late husband, Jose who was killed by tsunami-like waves.
“Even though
I am all alone now, I pray that his soul will rest in peace. Attending the mass
is my way of mourning for his and remembering what he did to our family,” the
teary-eyed Napoles shared. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/Ana
Rose Cinco & Yancy Marie Claridad (OJTs)
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